The world’s leading soya producer, Eraí Maggi Scheffer, is to build a $28.52 million new dry
bulk terminal at the port of Santarém, which is located at the confluence of the Amazon and
Tapajós rivers, as part of a joint-venture with unnamed partners. The new terminal, the
construction of which will commence in 2011, will be able to handle 3mt (million tonnes) of
grain annually, as well as 1.5mt of containerized cargo. It will cover an area of 40,000 square
metres and accommodate five silos with a combined capacity of 150,000 tonnes, which has
been deemed sufficient to supply calls by three Panamax vessels per month. Traffic will
consist of export soya, cotton and millet, as well as containerized meat.
Construction will be in two phases. Initially, the company will operate a 23,000 square
metre area, with three silos capable of accommodating 96,000 tonnes. This will have a price
tag of $17 million. The $11.37 million second phase will add an additional 15,000 square
metres and boost warehousing to 250,000 tonnes.
Cargill already operates a highly controversial 1.2mt facility in the port. BC